Cam Shaft Removal???
 

I'm having a problem getting the cam shaft out of my 289. It will only move about a 1/4" towards the front and it stops. This is the only thing left on my block and I don't know what the problem is. I took off the two bolts that hold the thrust plate and the thrust plate. From what I read, it should just slide out. It will spin but it won't come out. Any help would be appecriated.

This may sound like a stupid question, but have you removed all 16 lifters? If you haven't then that is what it is hanging on if you have then it is more then likely hanging up on a lobe and try rotating while you are pulling it out.

Yes, all lifters are out. Hell, everything is out. The only thing left in the block is the cam shaft. I have tried to spin as I pull with no luck. I don't think any of the lobes are hanging on either. I will try again and look a little bit more. I can't see what it's hanging on. I was reading in my Haynes book and it said something about taking the thrust plate off and spacer. The only thing I took off was the thrust plate and bolts. I didn't see any kind of spacer. Am I missing something?

If your timing set had been replaced with an aftermarket then the spacer is more then likely gone as most aftermarket incorporate the spacer with their cam gear. I am assuming that you are doing a rebuild when I say this next statement.. jerk the crap out of it the only thing that would really get damaged is the cam bearings and/or the camshaft journals both of which you are going to replace with the rebuild anyway.....or should.

Disassembly
 

Sometimes you have to resort to the "BFH".

you could also remove the plug in the back and tap the cam with a tool handle while you're pulling or something. but i agree, just yank on it till it gives, its possible that it could be bent too. The last cam i had in my previous 351w had actually bent from a valvetrain mishap, they had to cut up the cam to get it out.
:(

Success!!!
 

Had to tap it out. The number one cam bearing was jacked up a little bit and wouldn't let it slide out. In good shape now.

Let the clean up begin.

Thanks all.